CDBG Rehabilitation / Minor Home Repairs Partner Program

How it works

The Richland County Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Program is run by the Richland County Community Development Office. The page says the program provides federal funding to improve the quality of life for low- to moderate-income residents in unincorporated areas of Richland County. These funds support housing, infrastructure, public services, and community development projects that help build stronger, safer, and more resilient neighborhoods.

The page also identifies housing repair as one of the CDBG uses. Under housing and property improvements, the county lists:

• Minor home repairs
• Rental property rehabilitation
• Lead-based paint removal
• Code enforcement
• Homeownership assistance, including down payments and closing costs

County project materials on the page also point to a minor home repairs track and an owner-occupied rehabilitation track, including a version delivered through qualified nonprofit partners.

What the money covers

The page says CDBG can fund a wide range of activities, including:

• Public facilities and infrastructure such as sidewalks, lighting, water systems, fire stations, libraries, barrier removal for people with disabilities, environmental cleanup, and demolition
• Housing and property improvements such as minor home repairs and rental rehabilitation
• Homeownership assistance, including down payments and closing costs
• Public services for low- to moderate-income residents, including educational, health, or job-readiness programs
• Planning and administration activities such as environmental reviews, community planning, program audits, and oversight

Amounts and matching

The page does not state a dollar amount, reimbursement level, or matching requirement for the minor home repair or nonprofit partner rehab track.

How to apply

The page directs questions to the Richland County CDBG Grants Analyst, Markus Smith, at (803) 766-5190 or Smith.Markus@richlandcountysc.gov. It also provides links to proposal guidelines, public notice/NOFA, and funded-project documents, but the page excerpt does not give a homeowner application form or a step-by-step application process for the repair track.

Timing and deadlines

The page labels the materials as PY 2025-2026 guidelines and reference documents. It does not give an open date or close date for homeowner repairs. The page notes that CDBG serves unincorporated Richland County and does not serve the City of Columbia or towns like Irmo, Blythewood, Eastover, or Forest Acres.